Freddie Mercury and Bohemian Rhapsody. How was it really?

The 2018 film “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a dramatized portrayal of Freddie Mercury’s life and his time in the band Queen. Although the film was a success with audiences and won numerous awards, it contains several factual inaccuracies and artistic simplifications of actual events.

Here are a few of them

The timing of Freddie’s HIV diagnosis: In the film, Freddie informs his Queen bandmates of his HIV diagnosis shortly before the legendary Live Aid performance in 1985. In reality, Freddie was not diagnosed until around 1987, several years following the concert.

Relationship with Mary Austin: The film portrays Freddie’s relationship with Mary Austin as the center of his emotional life, but in reality, Freddie had a number of other relationships following his breakup with Mary that are not emphasized as much in the film.

Formation of the band: There is a scene in the film where Freddie approaches Brian May and Roger Taylor right following their lead singer’s departure and offers himself as a replacement. In fact, Freddie had known Brian and Roger for longer and the band went through several transformations before becoming Queen.

Freddie’s solo career: The film depicts Freddie leaving the band to pursue a solo career, causing tension between the members. In fact, all the members of Queen had their own solo projects in the 1980s, and the band never officially disbanded.

Band break before Live Aid: The film suggests that the band broke up and then dramatically reunited just before the Live Aid concert. But Queen never actually took a long hiatus, and their ‘The Works’ tour ended just months before Live Aid.